A few days before Mother’s Day my mother in law told me that we were having a picnic and that I should try something new out on everyone. She said feel free to experiment on everyone. I wanted to make a drink and I knew my sister in law and her kids love fresh squeezed lemonade, so I decided to try making a roasted strawberry lemonade.
I found out that where you buy your lemons really has a big impact on things! First I picked up 8 lemons from Walmart in the morning thinking that they would be enough not only for the lemonade but for another recipe I wanted to make as well. Well, I only got 1 cup of juice out of those 8 lemons! So I ran to Meijer and picked up a bag of lemons there. They were twice the size of the Walmart lemons and I got 1/2 a cup of juice out of 2 lemons! PLUS they were cheaper at Meijer! I also found that hand squeezing lemons is very painful. I lost a whole layer of skin off the back of my hands from squeezing the lemons. When I ran to Meijer I picked up a citrus juicer
This roasted strawberry lemonade was a huge hit! I loved that it wasn’t overly sweet or bitter. I think it was a great balance.
Roasted Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pint fresh strawberries washed, hulled, and sliced
- 1/2 cup sugar for strawberries
- 1 3/4 cups of sugar for lemonade
- 1 1/2 cups fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 8 cups of water
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375. Toss the sliced strawberries in sugar and place them in an ovenproof glass baking dish in one even layer. Roast them for about 10 minutes and then remove and allow to cool.
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In a small saucepan, combine 1 3/4 cups of sugar and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil and stir to dissolve sugar. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate until chilled.
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While your strawberries are roasting, juice enough lemons to make 1 1/2 cups of juice (approximately 6 large lemons.)
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Place cooled strawberries in a blender and puree until smooth.
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Combine pureed strawberries, lemon juice, sugar water, and remaining 8 cups of water in your pitcher and stir. Add ice or serve over ice for a nice chill.
Unfortunately, our Mother’s Day picnic got rained out a couple hours in, but we enjoyed what little time we had and the food and lemonade that was made and brought. Have you ever had roasted strawberry lemonade? I’m so glad I got a juicer so that the next time I make this recipe my hands will not be torn up and sore from all the squeezing! Besides, now I can use it to make lemon juice for cleaning the house as well!
I have never heard of roasting strawberries, but it sounds and looks delicious! Might have to give this a go!
I never heard of roasting strawberries. Looks good though.
I assume that the roasting enhances the sweetness of the berries and concetrates the flavor, so I would imagine this is mighty delicious.
I loved it and can’t wait to make it again!
That looks so good! Does it have the strawberry seeds in it, though?
It does, but it didn’t bother me and normally seeds or pulp in a drink bothers me.
It doesn’t look like it – so I was going to ask how you got them out!
They settled to the bottom. You can strain them out with cheesecloth, too. I couldn’t find mine.
I love strawberry lemonade but have never made it before. Interesting idea about roasting the strawberries.
Wow, this sounds amazing. I make strawberry lemonade a lot, but never thought of roasting strawberries! Gonna try it soon!
That sounds so refreshing! I can’t believe how much juice you did and didn’t get from the store lemons. What the heck?!
I’ve never heard of roasting strawberries before. I will have to try this recipe. It looks so refreshing.
I’ve never tried making my own lemonade. I’ve always just bought it at the store. This seems easy enough for me to make though and we’re going to a cookout next week so I think I’m going to try it.
Well see there, you learn something new everyday. I had no idea you could roast strawberries. This sounds delicious.
What an interesting way to enjoy lemonade! I’ve never heard of roasting a strawberry but it does sound like it’ll enhance the flavor.
Roasted? What a unique idea. I’m definitely going to have to try this recipe – it sounds like something my DD would LOVE!
I’ve heard some lovely things about roasted strawberries! Everybody seems to be raving about them at the moment, but I’ve never tried them myself! I LOVE your idea of putting them into lemonade! Thanks for linking up with us at #tastytuesdays; I’ve included you in my 9 summer thirst quenchers round up: http://www.anyonita-nibbles.co.uk/2014/05/9-summer-thirst-quenchers.html
Wow, that drink sounds perfect for the summer! Whenever it decides to get warm here.
YUM! This would be great for the holiday weekend!
I never thought of roasting strawberries. i’ll bet they were terrific! I’m going to try it next time!
How interesting! This looks delicious!
OMG! This looks AMAAAAAZING!
Mmmm, that sure looks tasty and refreshing. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve never had this before but it sounds really good!
I never would have thought of roasting strawberries for lemonade, but I bet it really brings out the flavor. What a delicious summer drink!
I’ve never even heard of roasting strawberries but man does that sound good! Strawberry lemonade is pretty much my go-to drink.
I have never heard of roasted strawberries. Sounds interesting!
Never heard of roasting strawberries, interesting!
I’ve had strawberry lemonade elsewhere but yours is the prettiest (color) and the best tasting. Thanks for making it and sharing it with everyone. It was r-e-a-l-l-y goooood! – my new favorite! From the proud mother-in-law!
Aw! Thank you. I really like it, too!
Will have to try this.
looks yummy!